'South Moon Under' Opening Shop in Westport

South Moon Under's East Coast expansion will roll in to Westport on Thursday.

The upscale clothing retailer with roots as a small surf shack is setting up shop at 14 Post Road East in downtown Westport — in the space formerly occupied by Klaff's. 

A ribbon cutting celebrating the opening is planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 6. Representatives from South Moon Under will be joined by Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and Heather Cavanagh, Director of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, for the celebration. 

The Westport shop will be the company's first in Connecticut, and it will be the first of two stores South Moon Under plans to open in 2014. 

According to the South Moon Under website, South Moon Under was formed in 1968. The company has evolved into an upscale clothing retailer with locations along the East Coast — Westport will be its 22nd. 

"Still privately owned, South Moon Under offers a unique mix of fashions while remaining true to its laid back and free spirited mindset instilled in the founding store over forty years ago," the website states. "Our mission is to inspire self-expression through the art of fashion. By providing an ever-evolving, carefully handpicked collection of fashion presented in a fun, comfortable, high-service environment, we give our customers the opportunity to experience the excitement of successfully and confidently expressing their individual style."